Antonella Battisti | Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) (original) (raw)

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Papers by Antonella Battisti

Research paper thumbnail of Imaging of Intracellular Viscosity and Membrane Order by New Molecular Rotors Suitable for Phasor Analysis of Fluorescence Lifetime

Biophysical Journal, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Thermochromic Polyethylene Films doped with Perylene Chromophores: Experimental Evidences and Methods for Characterization of their Phase Behaviour

Polym. Chem., 2015

ABSTRACT We report on a thermochromic system suitable for sensing temperature changes in the 30–7... more ABSTRACT We report on a thermochromic system suitable for sensing temperature changes in the 30–70 °C regime based on linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) films doped with N,N'-bis-(1'-phenylethyl)-perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxydiimide (PE-Pery), a fluorescent aggregachromic dye. At low PE-Pery concentration (0.01–0.02 wt.%), the dye monomers were well dispersed in the polymer matrix showing their maximum fluorescence intensity at 525 nm. As the dye content was increased, monomers emission quenched whereas dyes aggregates prevailed above 0.05 wt.% as well as their red fluorescence band at 620–680 nm. Upon heating from 30 to 70 °C, all films displayed a thermochromic response, more evident for the less concentrated samples (< 0.05 wt.%) in which the emission of the dye as a monomer continuously increased with increasing temperature. This phenomenon promoted effective color changes from a dull red-violet at 30 °C to a bright yellow-green at 70 °C. Combined DSC and variable-temperature Solid State NMR (SSNMR) measurements addressed the thermochromic behavior to the increased amount of available amorphous phase and to the increased mobility of both the interphase and amorphous components with temperature, which favored PE-Pery dispersion and diffusion, thus recovering their fluorescence. Overall, the present results support the use of PE-Pery-enriched LLDPE films as a chromogenic material suitable for the detection of temperature changes close to the physiological regime.

Research paper thumbnail of Macromol. Chem. Phys. 6/2014

Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Reversible vapochromic response of polymer films doped with a highly emissive molecular rotor

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2014

We report on a new vapochromic system suitable for sensing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) base... more We report on a new vapochromic system suitable for sensing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) based on polymer films doped with 4-(diphenylamino)phthalonitrile (DPAP), a fluorescent molecular rotor sensitive to both solvent polarity and viscosity. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) films containing small amounts of DPAP (#0.1 wt%) were prepared and exposed to saturated atmospheres of different VOCs. DPAP/PMMA films show a good and reversible vapochromism when exposed to VOCs with high polarity index and favourable interaction with polymer matrices such as THF, CHCl 3 , and acetonitrile. Analogously, DPAP/PC films exposed to polar and highly polymer-interacting solvents, that is, toluene, THF, and CHCl 3 , show a gradual decrease and red-shift of the emission. In contrast to DPAP/ PMMA films, an unexpected increase and further red-shift of fluorescence are observed at longer exposure times as a consequence of an irreversible, solvent-induced crystallization process of PC. The vapochromism of DPAP-doped films is rationalized on the basis of alterations of the rotor intramolecular motion and polarity effects stemming from the environment, which, in concert, influence the deactivation pathways of the DPAP intramolecular charge transfer state. Overall, the present results support the use of DPAP-enriched plastic films as a new chromogenic material suitable for the detection of VOCs.

Research paper thumbnail of Aggregation-Induced Emission of Tetraphenylethene-Hexaphenylbenzene Adducts: Effects of Twisting Amplitude and Steric Hindrance on Light Emission of Nonplanar Fluorogens

Chemistry - A European Journal, 2013

In the present work, the preparation of different styrene-based polymer fi lms containing small a... more In the present work, the preparation of different styrene-based polymer fi lms containing small amounts of TPE and the evaluation of their photoluminescent behaviour is reported. When TPE is dispersed in a poor solvent or in a glassy PS matrix, the arrested intramolecular rotations of its aryls favour the strong emission of light centred at about 455-460 nm. Conversely, TPE fl uorescence signifi cantly weakens to a faint signal when good solvents or viscous but not glassy polymer matrices are used. Near-fi eld optical microscopy correlates the fl uorescence behaviour with the different matrix morphologies. These results should be able to be used for developing a new tool for polymer traceability. prepared after de-aerating the solvent by bubbling with nitrogen for 30 min, and stored away from light.

Research paper thumbnail of Light-Responsive Polystyrene Films Doped with Tailored Heteroaromatic-Based Fluorophores

ACS Macro Letters, 2013

ABSTRACT We describe a simple but effective strategy for imparting light-responsive peculiarity t... more ABSTRACT We describe a simple but effective strategy for imparting light-responsive peculiarity to polystyrene films. A pH-sensitive fluorescent dye having the electron-poor pyridine nucleus as a key structural feature was synthesized and dispersed at low loadings (0.2–0.5 wt %) in a PS matrix. Once light irradiation in the near-UV range was sent to PS/dye films, PS photooxidation likely occurred at the film surface with the formation of carboxylic compounds. These species locally promoted dye protonation, thus, yielding a clear change of the film emission from blue to green. This study opens the door to a wide range of light-responsive materials from easily accessible polymers, enabling the use of UV light as an effective trigger for smart materials and devices

Research paper thumbnail of Targeted Delivery of Protein Drugs by Nanocarriers

Materials, 2010

Recent advances in biotechnology demonstrate that peptides and proteins are the basis of a new ge... more Recent advances in biotechnology demonstrate that peptides and proteins are the basis of a new generation of drugs. However, the transportation of protein drugs in the body is limited by their high molecular weight, which prevents the crossing of tissue barriers, and by their short lifetime due to immuno response and enzymatic degradation. Moreover, the ability to selectively deliver drugs to target organs, tissues or cells is a major challenge in the treatment of several human diseases, including cancer. Indeed, targeted delivery can be much more efficient than systemic application, while improving bioavailability and limiting undesirable side effects. This review describes how the use of targeted nanocarriers such as nanoparticles and liposomes can improve the pharmacokinetic properties of protein drugs, thus increasing their safety and maximizing the therapeutic effect.

Research paper thumbnail of Imaging intracellular viscosity by a new molecular rotor suitable for phasor analysis of fluorescence lifetime

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Organization of inner cellular components as reported by a viscosity-sensitive fluorescent Bodipy probe suitable for phasor approach to FLIM

Biophysical Chemistry, 2015

According to the recent developments in imaging strategies and in tailoring fluorescent molecule ... more According to the recent developments in imaging strategies and in tailoring fluorescent molecule as probe for monitoring biological systems, we coupled a Bodipy-based molecular rotor (BoMe) with FLIM phasor approach to evaluate the viscosity in different intracellular domains. BoMe rapidly permeates cells, stains cytoplasmic as well as nuclear domains, and its optical properties make it perfectly suited for widely diffused confocal microscopy imaging setups. The capability of BoMe to report on intracellular viscosity was put to the test by using a cellular model of a morbid genetic pathology (Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, HGPS). Our results show that the nucleoplasm of HGPS cells display reduced viscosity as compared to normal cells. Since BoMe displays significant affinity towards DNA, as demonstrated by an in vitro essay, we hypothesize that genetic features of HGPS, namely the misassembly of lamin A protein within the nuclear lamina, modulates chromatin compaction. This hypothesis nicely agrees with literature data.

Research paper thumbnail of Titolo | Title Design, production, and validation of optoelectronic and chemoelectronic biosensors dedicated at the contemporary detection of cancer biomarkers

Aim of the project is the generation of nanosensing devices for the simultaneous detection of a r... more Aim of the project is the generation of nanosensing devices for the simultaneous detection of a recently discovered class of cancer biomarkers, endowed with a built-in signal amplification property with unique and extraordinary applicability for biochip fabrication. In particular, the research by our group will be focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of new compounds that can bind covalently biomolecules and inorganic substrates. The binding capacity and suitability of the prepared materials for microprinting will be tested by AFM analysis.

Research paper thumbnail of Intracellular pH measurements made simple by fluorescent protein probes and the phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging

Chemical Communications, 2012

A versatile pH-dependent fluorescent protein was applied to intracellular pH measurements by mean... more A versatile pH-dependent fluorescent protein was applied to intracellular pH measurements by means of the phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging. By this fit-less method we obtain intracellular pH maps under resting or altered physiological conditions by single-photon confocal or two-photon microscopy.

Research paper thumbnail of Preparation, Structure and Reactivity of Polynuclear Gold(I) Phosphanyl Alkanethiolates

European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Chemical-physical and in vivo evaluations of a self-assembling amphiphilic peptide as an injectable hydrogel scaffold for biomedical applications

Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, 2013

The self-aggregation and gelation of an amphiphilic peptide (C 17 H 35 CONH-A 4 G 3 ERGD, peptide... more The self-aggregation and gelation of an amphiphilic peptide (C 17 H 35 CONH-A 4 G 3 ERGD, peptide amphiphile) were studied by light scattering, viscometry, nuclear magnetic resonance diffusometry, and atomic force microscopy. The peptide amphiphile critical aggregation concentration was evaluated to be 16 and 60 µM by light scattering and viscometry, respectively. The observed difference was attributed to the larger sensitivity of the latter technique to the presence of long fibrils. The addition of one equivalent or more of divalent cations (Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ) to peptide amphiphile formed dense incoherent hydrogels. Based on the atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation data, both the hydrogel morphology and stiffness were independent of the cation type and peptide amphiphile concentration. However, gel stiffness increased on increasing Ca 2+ /peptide amphiphile molar ratio while a parallel decrease in the apparent water diffusion rate was observed by nuclear magnetic resonance diffusometry. The dispersions of endothelial progenitor cells in the peptide amphiphile hydrogels were evaluated in vivo on a rat tissue hypoxia model. Significant capillary formation at the injection site was observed by tissue appearance and histological examination, which indicated endothelial progenitor cell/peptide amphiphile hydrogel-enhanced angiogenesis in ischemic tissue.

Research paper thumbnail of Imaging of Intracellular Viscosity and Membrane Order by New Molecular Rotors Suitable for Phasor Analysis of Fluorescence Lifetime

Biophysical Journal, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Thermochromic Polyethylene Films doped with Perylene Chromophores: Experimental Evidences and Methods for Characterization of their Phase Behaviour

Polym. Chem., 2015

ABSTRACT We report on a thermochromic system suitable for sensing temperature changes in the 30–7... more ABSTRACT We report on a thermochromic system suitable for sensing temperature changes in the 30–70 °C regime based on linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) films doped with N,N'-bis-(1'-phenylethyl)-perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxydiimide (PE-Pery), a fluorescent aggregachromic dye. At low PE-Pery concentration (0.01–0.02 wt.%), the dye monomers were well dispersed in the polymer matrix showing their maximum fluorescence intensity at 525 nm. As the dye content was increased, monomers emission quenched whereas dyes aggregates prevailed above 0.05 wt.% as well as their red fluorescence band at 620–680 nm. Upon heating from 30 to 70 °C, all films displayed a thermochromic response, more evident for the less concentrated samples (< 0.05 wt.%) in which the emission of the dye as a monomer continuously increased with increasing temperature. This phenomenon promoted effective color changes from a dull red-violet at 30 °C to a bright yellow-green at 70 °C. Combined DSC and variable-temperature Solid State NMR (SSNMR) measurements addressed the thermochromic behavior to the increased amount of available amorphous phase and to the increased mobility of both the interphase and amorphous components with temperature, which favored PE-Pery dispersion and diffusion, thus recovering their fluorescence. Overall, the present results support the use of PE-Pery-enriched LLDPE films as a chromogenic material suitable for the detection of temperature changes close to the physiological regime.

Research paper thumbnail of Macromol. Chem. Phys. 6/2014

Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Reversible vapochromic response of polymer films doped with a highly emissive molecular rotor

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2014

We report on a new vapochromic system suitable for sensing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) base... more We report on a new vapochromic system suitable for sensing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) based on polymer films doped with 4-(diphenylamino)phthalonitrile (DPAP), a fluorescent molecular rotor sensitive to both solvent polarity and viscosity. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC) films containing small amounts of DPAP (#0.1 wt%) were prepared and exposed to saturated atmospheres of different VOCs. DPAP/PMMA films show a good and reversible vapochromism when exposed to VOCs with high polarity index and favourable interaction with polymer matrices such as THF, CHCl 3 , and acetonitrile. Analogously, DPAP/PC films exposed to polar and highly polymer-interacting solvents, that is, toluene, THF, and CHCl 3 , show a gradual decrease and red-shift of the emission. In contrast to DPAP/ PMMA films, an unexpected increase and further red-shift of fluorescence are observed at longer exposure times as a consequence of an irreversible, solvent-induced crystallization process of PC. The vapochromism of DPAP-doped films is rationalized on the basis of alterations of the rotor intramolecular motion and polarity effects stemming from the environment, which, in concert, influence the deactivation pathways of the DPAP intramolecular charge transfer state. Overall, the present results support the use of DPAP-enriched plastic films as a new chromogenic material suitable for the detection of VOCs.

Research paper thumbnail of Aggregation-Induced Emission of Tetraphenylethene-Hexaphenylbenzene Adducts: Effects of Twisting Amplitude and Steric Hindrance on Light Emission of Nonplanar Fluorogens

Chemistry - A European Journal, 2013

In the present work, the preparation of different styrene-based polymer fi lms containing small a... more In the present work, the preparation of different styrene-based polymer fi lms containing small amounts of TPE and the evaluation of their photoluminescent behaviour is reported. When TPE is dispersed in a poor solvent or in a glassy PS matrix, the arrested intramolecular rotations of its aryls favour the strong emission of light centred at about 455-460 nm. Conversely, TPE fl uorescence signifi cantly weakens to a faint signal when good solvents or viscous but not glassy polymer matrices are used. Near-fi eld optical microscopy correlates the fl uorescence behaviour with the different matrix morphologies. These results should be able to be used for developing a new tool for polymer traceability. prepared after de-aerating the solvent by bubbling with nitrogen for 30 min, and stored away from light.

Research paper thumbnail of Light-Responsive Polystyrene Films Doped with Tailored Heteroaromatic-Based Fluorophores

ACS Macro Letters, 2013

ABSTRACT We describe a simple but effective strategy for imparting light-responsive peculiarity t... more ABSTRACT We describe a simple but effective strategy for imparting light-responsive peculiarity to polystyrene films. A pH-sensitive fluorescent dye having the electron-poor pyridine nucleus as a key structural feature was synthesized and dispersed at low loadings (0.2–0.5 wt %) in a PS matrix. Once light irradiation in the near-UV range was sent to PS/dye films, PS photooxidation likely occurred at the film surface with the formation of carboxylic compounds. These species locally promoted dye protonation, thus, yielding a clear change of the film emission from blue to green. This study opens the door to a wide range of light-responsive materials from easily accessible polymers, enabling the use of UV light as an effective trigger for smart materials and devices

Research paper thumbnail of Targeted Delivery of Protein Drugs by Nanocarriers

Materials, 2010

Recent advances in biotechnology demonstrate that peptides and proteins are the basis of a new ge... more Recent advances in biotechnology demonstrate that peptides and proteins are the basis of a new generation of drugs. However, the transportation of protein drugs in the body is limited by their high molecular weight, which prevents the crossing of tissue barriers, and by their short lifetime due to immuno response and enzymatic degradation. Moreover, the ability to selectively deliver drugs to target organs, tissues or cells is a major challenge in the treatment of several human diseases, including cancer. Indeed, targeted delivery can be much more efficient than systemic application, while improving bioavailability and limiting undesirable side effects. This review describes how the use of targeted nanocarriers such as nanoparticles and liposomes can improve the pharmacokinetic properties of protein drugs, thus increasing their safety and maximizing the therapeutic effect.

Research paper thumbnail of Imaging intracellular viscosity by a new molecular rotor suitable for phasor analysis of fluorescence lifetime

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Organization of inner cellular components as reported by a viscosity-sensitive fluorescent Bodipy probe suitable for phasor approach to FLIM

Biophysical Chemistry, 2015

According to the recent developments in imaging strategies and in tailoring fluorescent molecule ... more According to the recent developments in imaging strategies and in tailoring fluorescent molecule as probe for monitoring biological systems, we coupled a Bodipy-based molecular rotor (BoMe) with FLIM phasor approach to evaluate the viscosity in different intracellular domains. BoMe rapidly permeates cells, stains cytoplasmic as well as nuclear domains, and its optical properties make it perfectly suited for widely diffused confocal microscopy imaging setups. The capability of BoMe to report on intracellular viscosity was put to the test by using a cellular model of a morbid genetic pathology (Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, HGPS). Our results show that the nucleoplasm of HGPS cells display reduced viscosity as compared to normal cells. Since BoMe displays significant affinity towards DNA, as demonstrated by an in vitro essay, we hypothesize that genetic features of HGPS, namely the misassembly of lamin A protein within the nuclear lamina, modulates chromatin compaction. This hypothesis nicely agrees with literature data.

Research paper thumbnail of Titolo | Title Design, production, and validation of optoelectronic and chemoelectronic biosensors dedicated at the contemporary detection of cancer biomarkers

Aim of the project is the generation of nanosensing devices for the simultaneous detection of a r... more Aim of the project is the generation of nanosensing devices for the simultaneous detection of a recently discovered class of cancer biomarkers, endowed with a built-in signal amplification property with unique and extraordinary applicability for biochip fabrication. In particular, the research by our group will be focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of new compounds that can bind covalently biomolecules and inorganic substrates. The binding capacity and suitability of the prepared materials for microprinting will be tested by AFM analysis.

Research paper thumbnail of Intracellular pH measurements made simple by fluorescent protein probes and the phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging

Chemical Communications, 2012

A versatile pH-dependent fluorescent protein was applied to intracellular pH measurements by mean... more A versatile pH-dependent fluorescent protein was applied to intracellular pH measurements by means of the phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging. By this fit-less method we obtain intracellular pH maps under resting or altered physiological conditions by single-photon confocal or two-photon microscopy.

Research paper thumbnail of Preparation, Structure and Reactivity of Polynuclear Gold(I) Phosphanyl Alkanethiolates

European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Chemical-physical and in vivo evaluations of a self-assembling amphiphilic peptide as an injectable hydrogel scaffold for biomedical applications

Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, 2013

The self-aggregation and gelation of an amphiphilic peptide (C 17 H 35 CONH-A 4 G 3 ERGD, peptide... more The self-aggregation and gelation of an amphiphilic peptide (C 17 H 35 CONH-A 4 G 3 ERGD, peptide amphiphile) were studied by light scattering, viscometry, nuclear magnetic resonance diffusometry, and atomic force microscopy. The peptide amphiphile critical aggregation concentration was evaluated to be 16 and 60 µM by light scattering and viscometry, respectively. The observed difference was attributed to the larger sensitivity of the latter technique to the presence of long fibrils. The addition of one equivalent or more of divalent cations (Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ) to peptide amphiphile formed dense incoherent hydrogels. Based on the atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation data, both the hydrogel morphology and stiffness were independent of the cation type and peptide amphiphile concentration. However, gel stiffness increased on increasing Ca 2+ /peptide amphiphile molar ratio while a parallel decrease in the apparent water diffusion rate was observed by nuclear magnetic resonance diffusometry. The dispersions of endothelial progenitor cells in the peptide amphiphile hydrogels were evaluated in vivo on a rat tissue hypoxia model. Significant capillary formation at the injection site was observed by tissue appearance and histological examination, which indicated endothelial progenitor cell/peptide amphiphile hydrogel-enhanced angiogenesis in ischemic tissue.